Abstract: A film advancing module which cooperates with a basic processing module to duplicate a master microfiche. The film advancing module includes a film drawing station for drawing a continuous strip of diazo microfilm from the basic processing module into the film advancing module, a film cutting station for separating an exposed film segment from the continuous strip of microfilm, a film developing station for drawing the film segment through ammonia vapor to develop it and a film receiving station for collecting the film segment. The supply of ammonia vapor to the film developing station is correlated with the advance of the film segment through the developing station so that essentially all of the ammonia vapor is utilized in the developing process. Any ammonia which might not be utilized is removed from the developing station and neutralized in a tank of citric acid. The developing station includes a plurality of rollers which define a serpentine path of travel for the film segment.

Abstract: A modular microfiche duplicator including a basic processing module which co-operates with a selected one of a plurality of different film advancing modules. In the basic processing module, the unexposed film is taken from a supply reel in a continuous strip and is drawn through an exposure station in metered segments. The microfiche sheet which is to be duplicated is inserted into the exposure station and an inflated air bag platen presses the films together as they are exposed to radiation from a columnar light source. The exposed segment of the film is then drawn into a film advancing module as the strip of film is advanced to the next segment.

Abstract: A film advancing module which co-operates with a basic processing module to duplicate a master microfiche. The film advancing module includes a film drawing station for drawing a continuous strip of vesicular microfilm from the basic processing module into the film advancing module, a film cutting station for separating an exposed film segment from the continuous strip of microfilm, a film heating station for heating the film segment, a film cooling station for cooling the film segment, a film clearing station for clearing the film segment and a film receiving station for collecting the film segment. The film heating and cooling stations are positioned to define a generally S-shaped path of travel which tends to remove any curl in the film and all the stations are positioned to define a relatively compact path of travel for the film segment. The film cooling and clearing stations are connected in series to a source of cooling air to conduct heat away from the film segment.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying a stripe to the surface of a continuous strip of film material. The film is drawn from a roll of film wound on a supply reel and through a striping station where a striping material is applied to a predetermined zone on the upper surface of the film. Next, the film is drawn around a plurality of drying rollers which are positioned to form a generally rectangular, inwardly spiraling drying path. The film with the dried striping zone is collected on a take-up reel which is motor driven in co-operation with a drawing roller. The drawing roller draws the film from the supply roller, through the striping station and around the drying path.